Defeated Mamelodi Sundowns lauded by Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie for advertising Mzansi - 'We didn't win but you did us proud'

Mamelodi Sundowns overcame a poor start to the 2024/25 Caf Champions League campaign and, eventually, reached the final.

The Premier Soccer League champions played Pyramids in a two-legged final but lost 3-2 on aggregate.

Masandawana fans and Mzansi at large hoped the PSL champions would go all the way to bring the trophy home.

In the last three editions, they have failed to deliver in the latter stages of the annual competitions.

Following their triumph against Al Ahly, coach Miguel Cardoso hoped to win the competition, but things didn't go his way.

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie insists that the Brazilians have already achieved, as they have done well in marketing the country.

"You did us proud, Masandawana, we didn’t win the game, but we made incredible strides as South African Football," he posted on his X account.

"You are a perfect advert for what we are capable of as South Africans, onwards and upwards from here. Very proud," Mckenzie concluded.

Sundowns are expected to add a few quality players ahead of the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup and the 2025/26 season.

Cardoso is expected to get another chance with the team in the forthcoming edition, but that might depend on how he delivers in the United States.

The global competition will start on June 14 and end on July 13.